The Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Communication jointly sponsor the certificate in Political Communication for students who wish to supplement their undergraduate major with an inquiry into the arena of politics and government. Political Communication encompasses the interactions of political figures, political issues, the media, and the public. The program is open to any undergraduate student in the university.

To earn this certificate you must complete POCO 201, POCO 401, and 22 hours from the related course work listed below. You must also file a certificate form with your college. As a supplement to your undergraduate degree, the certificate will show that you are a strong communicator with a working knowledge of the political system. And if you happen to be interested in such jobs as a legislative aide, political consultant, political reporter, or lobbyist, you'll find the POCO program especially relevant.

The following two courses are required for the certificate in Political Communication:

• POCO 201 Introduction to Political Communication (3) 
• POCO 401 Seminar in Political Communication (5) 

Economics (ECON) 
316 Economics and the Law (4) 
430 Public Finance (4)

Interpersonal Communication (INCO) 
250 Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (4) 
300 Field Research Methods in Communication (4) 
342 Communication and Persuasion (4) 
352 Political Rhetoric (4) 
430 Communication and the Campaign (4) 
442 Responsibilities and Freedom of Speech in Communication (4)

Journalism (JOUR)
233 Information Gathering (3) 
370 Media Relations and Publicity (4) 
411 Newspaper and Communication Law (3) 
412 Ethics, Mass Media, and Society (3) 
464 Reporting of Public Affairs (3) 
471 Pubic Relations Principles (4) 
472 Advance Public Relations (4)

Linguistics (LING) 
280 Language in America (4)

Philosophy (PHIL)
240 Social and Political Philosophy (4) 
442 Philosophy of Law (5)

Political Science (POLS)
250 International Relations (4) 
304 State Politics (4) 
405 American Political Parties (4) 
406 Elections and Campaigns (4) 
410 Public Policy Analysis (4) 
415 The American Presidency (4) 
417 Legislative Process (5)
418 Interest Groups in American Politics (4)
420 Women, Law, and Politics (4) 
424 Intergovernmental Relations in the U.S. (4) 
476A American Political Thought (4) 
476B American Political Thought (4) 
481 Modern Physical Analysis (4)

Psychology (PSY)
304 Human Learning and Cognitive Processes (4) 
336 Social Psychology (4)

Sociology (SOC) 
210 Introduction to Social Psychology (4) 
351 Elementary Research Techniques (4)
413 Mass Communication (4) 
414 Contemporary Social Movements (4) 
432 Political Sociology (4) 
465 Social Change (4)

Telecommunications (TCOM) 
370 Mass Communication Theories (4) 
371 Effects of Mass Communication (4) 
453 Telecommunications Law and Regulations (4)
475 Politics and the Electronic Media (4)
 
 

Program requirements are subject to change. The information provided here may not apply to some students. Please consult your catalog and DARS report.